It’s possible that because the skin of the peach is so soft, people have believed that the oil obtained by pressing peach pits would be good for the skin.
Peach kernel oil is clear, light yellow with a slight smell and mild taste—although it’s not recommended for eating since peach kernels contain small amounts of cyanide and traces of the chemicals sprayed on peaches in the fleld.
Peach kernel oil can be found as an ingredient in some anti-wrinkle and skin rejuvenation products as well as in massage oils, usually blended with other oils. Hair care web site, naturallycurly.com, says that peach kernel oil is recommended for people who are allergic to artificial ingredients and fragrances. “Peach kernel oil is recommended for inflamed skin and is recommended for serious conditions such as eczema or psoriasis or overexposure to sun and wind. Peach kernel oil is also high in essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPFAs).”
The LIVESTRONG Foundation, which provides information on nutrition and lifestyles to help fight cancer, says on its associated web site, livestrong.com, “Peach kernel oil contains vitamins A and E as well as a variety of B-group vitamins. Of these, vitamin E is particularly beneficial to your skin as it is an antioxidant, eliminating free radicals, which are harmful by-products of the metabolic process associated with aging and some cancers.”
What does the science say?
Evangelos S. Lazos of the School of Food Technology and Nutrition, Athens, has done extensive study on this substance. The oil has been determined to have a very high percentage (31% - 80%) of oleic acid. Putting this in laymen’s terms, wisegeek.com explains, “Oleic acid’s high lipid count makes it a great moisturizer, and a number of cosmetic companies add it to lotions and soaps in order to boost their ability to nourish the skin. The acid is often able to penetrate past the outer skin layer, which leads to a much longer-lasting and more intense moisture. While standard lotions and creams may simply sit on the top of the skin, those made with omega-9 fatty acids typically go much deeper, producing more satisfying results.”
